Her husband Zhou Gang had an unhappy childhood. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

His biological mother passed away early, and it can be said that his stepmother raised him single-handedly.

The stepmother had her own children, and inevitably showed favoritism, but it didn’t hinder his career.

After entering the court, he rose to the position of Imperial Censor, and when seeking a title for his mother, Zhou Gang bypassed his stepmother and requested the title for his biological mother.

Normally, such behavior would disqualify him from becoming Imperial Censor, but his straightforward character led the emperor to overlook his blemishes and appoint him.

Initially, things were fine, but at some point, he became increasingly extreme, attacking everyone, eventually causing trouble for the entire family.

The most innocent was his stepmother, who did not mistreat Zhou Gang, but Zhou Gang bypassed her to give the title of Madam Hao to his biological mother, indirectly accusing her of being unkind.

This incident greatly affected her own children, and it was said that the matches found for them were not very good.

Later, due to being implicated by this stepson, the entire family was exiled along with him.

When the Zhou family was sentenced to exile, everyone sympathized with his stepmother, feeling she had raised an ungrateful one.

Gu Kaiyuan pointed this out, wanting to know how shameless someone had to be to speak extravagantly about filial piety.

Seeing Mrs. Zhou’s discomfited expression, Gu Kaiyuan felt instantly refreshed. Isn’t it great to realize one’s lack of filial piety, yet still make grandiloquent speeches?

"I heard that when Mr. Zhou’s biological mother passed, he was still a baby, and it was the stepmother who raised him with toil. How did Mr. Zhou repay this nurturing grace?

They say the grace of nurturing surpasses the grace of birth; surely, as husband and wife, you both are extremely filial."

Many in the group stifled laughter; who didn’t know about the Zhou family affairs? Everyone nearby had seen the spectacle these days.

"Gu Third Master," said someone in front, setting down their filled bucket and laughingly said, "You might not know, but during exile, our Mrs. Zhou wanted to take over the family’s finances, trying to take control of the silver from the stepmother and her descendants, claiming as the eldest daughter-in-law, she should exert such rights.

In short, it’s because she was penniless and wanted to take advantage of others."

Gu Kaiyuan later heard about this, feigning surprise, asking, "Really? How could Mr. Zhou and Mrs. Zhou be this sort of people?"

"Absolutely true. Our family traveled behind theirs, and truly, this stepmother is pitiable, her whole life overcast by Zhou Gang.

The gifts sent by her natal family, even as a daughter-in-law, she wanted to covet them.

Fortunately, she was firm this time and divided the family on the first day.

Nevertheless, Mr. Zhou is quite a talent, forcefully extracting hundreds of taels from the stepmother, otherwise, during this journey..."

Everyone’s contemptuous glances fell on Mrs. Zhou, who could not bear it, and quickly covered her face.

Gu Kaiyuan clicked his tongue, "Is there really such a thing?

Just earlier, Mrs. Zhou told me to be filial to elders; is she setting an example?

Too bad I don’t share Mrs. Zhou’s and Mr. Zhou’s ruthlessness. We actually contributed significantly, not taking a penny from our parents.

Alas, we cannot emulate such ’filial children’."

"Indeed, can’t be learned."

"Certainly can’t be learned."

"If my child ever behaves like this, I’d break their legs."

Many had long despised the couple’s actions and joined in the mockery.

At this moment, Mrs. Zhou couldn’t bear it anymore even though it was almost her turn, and ran off carrying an empty bucket.

Gu Kaiyuan bowed to those around, "Thank you all for your righteous words."

"You’re welcome, you’re welcome."

Everyone politely exchanged a few words — it was nothing, really; no one truly stood up out of righteousness, just joined in the commotion and mockery.

Yet, people were not heartless, and for this stepmother of the Zhou family, they still showed sympathy.

It was difficult being a stepmother, but she tried her best and did not mistreat Zhou Gang, yet ended up entangled in this mess, having to spend money to rid herself of disaster — it was utterly outrageous.

With such character, how could one become Imperial Censor, and whether the current emperor was blind or deceived?

When Gu Kaiyuan returned with water, Bai Suihe and the others had already made all necessary preparations, and the fire was blazing.

"What are we having for dinner tonight?" Bai Suihe asked, awaiting Gu Kaiyuan’s decision upon his return.

Though she had many things in her space, it wasn’t appropriate to take them out in front of Chunxiang and the others; instead, she waited to see what they had prepared.

Opening a box behind, they found meats and various vegetables inside.

"Miss, we bought these temporarily at the post station; let’s make do for now and buy fresh things next time we pass through a village," Dongmei said nervously, as the post station had limited offerings and there was competition among so many people.

However, they had prepared some preserved meats and sausages beforehand, pressing them at the bottom.

"This is already very good," Bai Suihe pointed to a piece of meat and then to the vegetables, "Let’s not overdo it; we can just casually cook some noodle dumplings, or anything simple."

Everyone was in open air; whatever was done was visible.

Right now, it wasn’t appropriate to make too grand. Otherwise, it might not only arouse the Gu family’s envy but also draw jealousy from others.

"Okay," Dongmei quickly took things out deftly, "Leave the rest to me and Chunxiang, Miss, you and Sir can go rest."

Gu Kaiyuan looked at the small pile of firewood, "Suihe, if you’re tired, why not rest in the carriage first? I’ll go around the mountain edge and see if I can gather more firewood."

Bai Suihe said, "Why don’t I accompany you?"

Gu Kaiyuan glanced at her belly, "You should be more careful. I can do it alone."

"Just don’t go deep into the mountains."

Gu Kaiyuan felt somewhat guilty, knowing he’d been seen through: "I’ll stay nearby, certainly not go into the mountains."

Only then did Bai Suihe nod and sit back on the stone where understandingly, Dongmei and others had already laid a blanket.

He regretted internally for not having thought of it earlier, realizing he needed to be more attentive in the future.

Gu Kaiyuan turned to leave, and Bai Suihe didn’t just sit idly but joined Dongmei and Chunxiang in tidying up for dinner.

Initially, Dongmei and Chunxiang were unwilling, thinking such tasks weren’t befitting for their Miss.

But Bai Suihe insisted, "Sitting in the carriage all day; let me stretch a bit.

Moreover, this isn’t heavy work, and working together while chatting would be quicker."

Dongmei placed the vegetables before Bai Suihe, "Just let Miss help with picking these."

"Ms. Bai, where is my second brother?" They were busy when Gu Kaiping approached.